Programmed Labor for Optimizing Labour and Delivery-A multicentric Study

To evaluate the efficacy of Programmed Labor protocol in providing shorter, safer and a relatively painless delivery. A multicentric study was conducted at three centres-two in Mumbai and one in Surendranagar (Gujarat). Each centre included two groups of 30 primigravidae each, the first group titled as study group was treated as per the Programmed Labour Protocol¹. The second of matched primigravidae were treated conventionally and served as the control group. Labor outcome was analyzed in both groups and compared in terms of mean rate of cervical dilatation; mean duration of first, second and third stages of labor; average blood loss; mode of delivery; maternal and neonatal outcomes. Analysis of results revealed that-The mean rate of cervical dilatation in the study group was almost double that of the control group. There was marked shortening of all the stages of labor. Average blood loss was comparatively less in the study group. Women in the study group had significantly higher pain relief. Majority of women in the study group delivered vaginally. There was significant reduction in obstetric intervention. Babies born to these mothers had satisfactory Apgar Scores at birth, there was no perinatal mortality. Programmed labor protocol can safely lead to shorter labors with significant pain relief with a safe obstetric outcome for both the mother and the foetus.